Bajaj Pulsar AS 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS vs Hero Karizma R

Bajaj Auto has turned up the heat in the 200-250cc motorcycle segment with the launch of a couple of new models viz. Pulsar RS 200 and Pulsar AS 200, the latter being the latest one to hit showrooms. The company is hoping to claw back the market share it lost to Honda over the past year due to a weak and ageing product line-up. The Pulsar AS 200 not only goes up against Hero‘s Karizma R, but also goes up against its own sibling, the Pulsar 200 NS, something that will definitely make decision making really hard for those looking to get their hands on a 200cc Pulsar. In order to make life easier for you we have come up with this detailed comparison to help you in deciding which of the three- Pulsar AS 200, Pulsar 200 NS and Hero Karizma R is the best suited to your needs. Check out our Bajaj Pulsar AS 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS vs Hero Karizma R comparo below

Design

The latest one here, the Pulsar AS 200 isn’t exactly that new as it is essentially a Pulsar 200 NS underneath the touring bike like front fairing. Speaking of the front fairing, it has been neatly designed and even though it looks similar to the one on the Discover 150F the projector headlamps and LED pilot lamps give the bike a very distinct identity. A large wind deflector that sits bolted on atop the headlamp makes the Pulsar AS 200’s mile muncher intentions very clear. The rest of the motorcycle is identical to its naked streetbike sibling, apart from minor differences such as the plastic number plate holder. Adventure Sport (AS) is basically a series of touring bikes by Bajaj and the AS 200 gets an upright riding position owning to this fact.

The Pulsar 200 NS is the meaner, naked streetbike version of the Pulsar AS 200. The 200NS gets no fuss styling. The sharp headlamp with the two pilot lamps at the bottom give the front a very mincing look.The muscular fuel tank flows nicely into the split seats which add to the sporty look of the bike. The tail section gets split grab rails and integrated LED tail lamps similar to the ones on the Pulsar AS 200. Being a naked streetbike, the engine and the chain have been left exposed and finished almost completely in black. The exhaust is very hard to spot and has been neatly tucked away at the bottom and the overall stance of the bike is mean and aggressive, exactly how a naked streetbike should be.

The Hero Karizma R is the least impressive of the lot when it comes to design. The front fairing with the dual stacked headlamps give the bike a very narrow look and doesn’t look aggressive enough. The LED pilot lamps that run along the indicators are, however, a neat touch add some character to the bike. To add a touch of sportiness to the bike, the Karizma R gets split seats, split grab rails and LED tail lamp mounted on the number plate holder. The exhaust finished in a combination of gold, silver black looks very smart. The rear overhang extends a little too much taking away from the Karizma’s sporty character when viewed from the side. The huge ‘R’ logo on the side looks a bit cheap and Hero could have done better in the design department to add a bit more muscle to the bike.

[box type=”success” ]The Pulsar siblings are much better looking that the Hero Karizma R. Out of the two we prefer the meaner looking Pulsar 200 NS, but then again, looks are a subjective matter and it really is up to the buyer to decide.[/box]

Technical Specifications

Pulsar AS 200

Pulsar 200 NS

Hero Karizma R

Engine Displacement

199.5cc single cylinder, liquid cooled

199.5cc single cylinder, liquid cooled

223cc single cylinder, air cooled

Power

23.5bhp @ 9,500rpm

23.52bhp @ 9,500rpm

19.2bhp @ 7,500rpm

Torque

18.3Nm @ 8,000rpm

18.3Nm @ 8,000rpm

19.35Nm @ 6,000rpm

Transmission

6-speed

6-speed

5-speed

Suspension

Front: TelescopicRear: Mono Shock

Front: TelescopicRear: Mono Shock

Front: TelescopicRear: Hydraulic Shock Absorbers

Brakes

Front: 280mm discRear: 230mm drum

Front: 280mm discRear: 230mm disc

Front: 276mm discRear: 130mm drum

The Pulsar AS 200 and the 200 NS are identical too each other and have the edge over the Karizma R in terms of performance even though the latter has a bigger capacity motor. But the Karizma R produces its peak power and torque at a lower rpm. Also, the Pulsars are technologically ahead as they get mono shock at the rear, dual disc brakes, liquid cooling and 6-speed transmissions.

Pulsar’s smaller engine churns out more power than the Karizma’s bigger unit

[box type=”success” ]The two Pulsars are clearly ahead of the Karizma in terms of technical specifications. Between the Pulsar AS 200 and Pulsar 200 NS there is not much difference and both bikes will be similar in terms of performance.[/box]

Price

Pulsar AS 200

Pulsar 200 NS

Hero Karizma R

Standard

INR 91,550

INR 91,553

INR 81,960

*all prices ex-showroom, New Delhi

The Pulsar AS 200 and 200 NS get identical pricing which is around INR 10,000 more than the Hero Karizma R. Although, the Karizma R may seem better value for money it does miss out on certain features that have become common among sports bikes these days. For the extra money you get slightly more power, dual disc brakes, mono shock at the rear and slightly better performance. It should be noted that the price of the Pulsar AS 200 is introductory and is likely to go up after a few months on sale.

Introductory prices make the Pulsar AS 200 fantastic value for money

[box type=”success” ]After a few months when the pricing of the Pulsar AS 200 is normalized the 200 NS will become the more value for money option. If you’re on a budget then get the Hero Karizma R.[/box]

Verdict

The Hero Karizma R’s major selling point is the pricing which, at INR 10,000 less than the Pulsars, is pretty good value for money.But the Pulsar twins offer more kit for the money and are, arguably, better styled than the Karizma. Performance is also better thanks to the KTM DNA. Between the two Pulsars it really is a matter of personal taste and design preferences. Although, the Pulsar AS 200 is intended as cross country tourer most buyers would rarely be using it for that and with the prices set to go up after a few months on sale, the Pulsar 200 NS might just make more sense.

[box type=”success” ]Get the Hero Karizma R if you are on a tight budget. But we would suggest stretching the budget a little more and getting either of the two Pulsars. Personally, we would choose the meaner looking Pulsar 200 NS over the more sedate Pulsar AS 200.[/box]

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So, what do you have to say about our Bajaj Pulsar AS 200 vs Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS vs Hero Karizma R spec-sheet comparo? Do let us know what you think by penning down your views in the comments section below.

LOL to all hero Fans like Sanjay Hodlur who still think hero engine is wonderful. I think you all are addicted to outdated technology by honda n hero.Better stay that ay n ride passion n splendor or stupid 125cc shine.the bikes mentioned here are not meant for people like you ho dont have understanding about duke technology. FYI Duke has kicked honda n hero out of race in 150 cc n above,